Ireland lived up to its expectations today, it’s green because of so much rain….

Our today was a short drive thru town, then onto Curraghmore House, seat of the Marquis of Waterford. The house has been under stewardship for over 800 years, with the current Lord still in residence.

After we successfully negotiated security, there had been a major music festival the previous night, we de bused and headed to the Shell House along with the Head Gardener.

Set in the gardens, think park rather than flower beds, it was a small house with its interior completely covered by shells.

By now the rain had really set in so we retreated to the house and an excellent guide who told stories about all the Marquis. Unfortunately no photography was permitted, a pity with all the antiques on show. Fine China, furniture and especially paintings featured prominently with Gainsboroughs, Reynolds, and Stubbs strewn about the most elegant but well worn rooms. The excitement was too much for one visitor who collapsed midway, luckily there was a doctor in our group . Unfortunately an ambulance had to be called, Hazel didn’t like his colour at all.

Our tour concluded with a drive back to the ship along the Copper coast, but the weather had closed in precluding any scenic shots. We’ve taken consolation by having Afternoon Tea in Horizons, the steward assures us there are no calories ! We have cocktails with the Captain and the speciality restaurant Toscana still to look forward to today…..

We had a smooth getaway from Prime Thyme this morning, but Terminal 5 was extremely busy. Coming from 5 quiet weeks of narrow boating it was all a bit overwhelming ! Our flight to Dublin was scheduled at 10:45, then 10:35 and finally 10:30. So we were quite surprised when getting ready to board to be told there is no Captain or flight crew currently available but we hope to fly “some time today” !!!

Eventually our crew appeared via Vienna, and terminal 3, so we arrived at 3pm rather than 12 noon. As the ship sailed at 6 it wasn’t a problem, but fellow travellers missed the start of coach tours, etc.

After waiting a while in the transfer coach for another plane it was an easy embarkation, and soon found our ‘old’ cabin 7037. The same one as on Regatta last year.

A quick pink G & T in Horizons to watch the sail away, and skilled Pilot transfer, was followed by dinner in the Grand Dining Room with a couple from Canada. As usual the food was superb, but sampled in moderation. We shall follow our usual practise of using the stairs only, to negate the afternoon teas, etc. A good start to the cruise, we will not need rocking in our bed tonight….but are going to get a gentle roll instead.

It’s always sad having the last run of the year, but a shower first thing allowed me to chamois off the boat and wax it. Penny dropped on to say bye and we finished off a few last minute jobs.

Then it was time to start up and head upstream to the New Inn at Send, and jolly nice it was too !

Scampi & Fish and Chips, peas ….not mushy.

All too soon it was time to head home, it took 2 attempts to wind the boat, a strong side wind and canoeists didn’t help ! Then back into the Marina, finish with engine and strike the colours ! Fitting winter mooring ropes and cratch cover finish off this seasons boating. Gareth and Colin will service the boat and winterise it when appropriate. Penny will keep an eye on her whenever visiting Iris, a real comfort to us.

We’ve really enjoyed our move to Cartbridge Basin, a very nice marina with good short and long term cruising possibilities.

The river beckons to me, but I’ll have to resist its siren call till next year. Heathrow, Ireland and a big boat tomorrow !

From this entrance you can travel right up into Scotland via the Wey, Thames, Grand Union and other canals ! There are over 2500 miles of continuous waterways to explore….

We had a very relaxed day yesterday, going thru only 1 lock. I managed to vanish some weathered timber, whilst Hazel applied the Mr Sheen. It works well on the American Ash interior of PT.

Once we lost our first shady spot we moved onto another just upstream of the New Inn, then another at High Bridge near the Marina.

A squirrel kept us entertained with his antics in reaching beech nuts. Later on in the afternoon the temperature and humidity soared, with thunder and lightening in the distance. Making a dash for the Marina we tied up 10 minutes before the storm broke. Cooler temps made life more comfortable, as did a proper shower ! Today we will start packing, with a final run to the New Inn on Saturday.